Answers
By Billy Graham • December 4, 2017 • Topics: Eternal Life, Heaven
Q:
Do people who have died and gone on to Heaven know what's happening on earth? If so, I'd think they'd be sad to see the evil and suffering that go on here. But isn't Heaven supposed to be a happy place?
A:
Yes, the Bible assures us that Heaven is a place of absolute happiness and joy and peace—far greater than anything we’ll ever experience right now. The Bible says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
Do those in Heaven know what’s happening on earth? The Bible doesn’t answer all our questions about Heaven—but it does indicate that those who have already entered Heaven may be aware of events on earth. The book of Hebrews, for example, pictures life as a great arena, with those who have gone before us cheering us on in our daily spiritual struggles (see Hebrews 12:1). Once when Jesus’ appearance was changed and His heavenly glory shone through, Moses and Elijah spoke with Him about events on the earth (see Luke 9:30-31).
Does this mean people in Heaven are sad when evil seems to be winning the day? No, not at all. For one thing, they (unlike us) see the whole picture; they know that even in the midst of life’s heartaches and trials, God is still working behind the scenes. They also know that Satan is a defeated foe, and some day all evil will be destroyed and Christ will rule in perfect peace and justice.
The most important question about Heaven, however, is this: Are you sure you will go there when you die? You can be, by turning to Christ and committing your life to Him.
